PM Modi, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina to discuss connectivity, trade

Modi and Hasina will jointly inaugurate the Haldibari-Chilahati rail link which is aimed at fostering people-to-people connectivity on both sides.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina will hold a virtual bilateral summit on Thursday and hold discussions to improve trade and connectivity between both nations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina before their bilateral talk, at Hyderabad House. (Mohd Zakir/HT PHOTO)

Modi and Hasina will jointly inaugurate the Haldibari-Chilahati rail link which is aimed at fostering people-to-people connectivity on both sides. The rail link is also expected to enhance connectivity and trade between Assam, West Bengal and Bangladesh.

“During the summit, the two leaders will hold comprehensive discussions on the entire spectrum of the bilateral relationship, including further strengthening cooperation in the post COVID era,” the Ministry of External Affairs was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

India and Bangladesh have both been very keen to restart the six pre-1965 rail links between both countries. There are five links that are currently operational between both nations - Petrapole (India) - Benapole (Bangladesh), Gede (India) - Darshana (Bangladesh), Singhabad (India)-Rohanpur (Bangladesh) and Radhikapur (India)-Birol (Bangladesh). The rail link between Akhaura and Agartala is also being quickly developed to further increase trade in that region.

Both the leaders will also launch a stamp to commemorate the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who led Bangladesh to its independence from Pakistan in 1971. Pakistan lost the war to the Indian Army and Bangladesh’s Muktibahini on December 16. India celebrates December 16 as Vijay Diwas to commemorate the victory.